It's Complicated

Welcome back to another exciting episode, with hosts Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti. We’re back to dive into the new potential election law violations and national security issues surrounding Elon Musk. Musk, known for his innovative business ventures and disruptive technologies, now finds himself at the center of intense legal scrutiny.  From allegedly violating campaign finance laws with his...

Can Jack Smith’s new filing secure a conviction of Donald Trump? Spoiler alert: it's complicated. In this all-new episode, legal experts Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti dive deep into the complexities of the latest unsealed filing in the Washington D.C. district federal court seeking to break through presidential immunity and put Donald Trump on criminal trial for crimes stemming from his allege...

This week New York Mayor Eric Adams was indicted for allegedly receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, using straw donors and a quid-pro-quo arrangement. So just how strong are the charges? As hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Ranagga explain, It’s Complicated.  Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/r...

In this episode, hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa analyze the bombshell arrest of music mogul P. Diddy, and the shocking charges he faces of sexual assault, kidnapping, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Find out how Diddy’s indictment is a part of a growing Department of Justice trend of applying the RICO statute to prosecute celebrity-involved scandals and domestic terrorism. Subscribe...

In this all-new episode, Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, and Asha Rangappa, a national security law professor, dissect the recent dismissal of three felony charges against Trump and his co-defendants in Georgia, two of which directly implicated the former president.  Why does any of this matter in the grand scheme of things? Well, it's complicated. Subscribe to our Patreon here, wher...

In this all-new episode, national security law professor Asha Rangappa and former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti delve into the murky waters of Russian disinformation campaigns. Discussing last week’s indictment of two Russian nationals for a malign influence operation in the U.S. by the Department of Justice, you'll hear how well-known commentators like Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Laura Southern...

Special Counsel Jack Smith just filed a superseding indictment against former President Donald Trump in the wake of the Supreme Court's historic presidential immunity ruling earlier this summer. In today's all-new episode our hosts  Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa give their expert analysis of Trump’s brand new indictment.  Before diving in, make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive ac...

How Screwed is George Santos? It’s Complicated.  Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and Yale national security law professor Asha Rangappa examine the numerous criminal schemes perpetrated by expelled former Rep. George Santos’ (R-NY). Our hosts discuss how his likely sentencing will measure up to typical white-collar criminals in the wake of his guilty plea deal last week.  Subscribe to ou...

In this AWESOME episode, our hosts - former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and Yale law professor Asha Rangappa - dive into the complex dilemma of sentencing Donald Trump before the November election.  Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia We’ll examine Trump's lawyer's recent request to delay sente...

Why is Jack Smith asking for more time in the Jan 6th case? Well, it’s complicated. And we have some very exciting news to share. We have recently partnered with Really American Media to take our podcast to the next level. They are going to exponentially speed up our production times and help us deliver more exclusive, hard-hitting content like this. “And what it means is that we're going to have...

In a bit of a departure from the usual subjects Asha and Renato weigh in on politics. In particular, how the label of “weird” is sticking to JD Vance. Also, what it must be like for Usha to ride along with her husband’s new-found love of Trump. Plus, Renato is a bit of a swinger…on the dance floor. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube...

Asha and Renato go over the current state of Trump’s criminal trials. Renato shares his surprise prediction about the Manhattan conviction. Plus, Asha barely made it home from her vacation! Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/ZWzalIusTr0   Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Its. Complicated/   Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https:...

Dahlia Lithwick joins Renato to discuss what’s next for Jack Smith now that the Florida indictment has been thrown out? President Biden has reportedly said that Court reform is going to be a priority in his re-election campaign. What would that look like? Plus, there were some difficulties getting this episode together! Keep up with our Guest:Dahlia Lithwickhttps://twitter.com/dahlialithwick Dahli...

Norm Eisen joins Renato and Asha to talk about how this shiny new presidential immunity works when applied to Trump’s current prosecutions. Plus, Renato changed firms and Asha is exploring her options. Keep up with our Guest:Norm Eisenhttps://twitter.com/normeisen Sate Democracy Defenders Action Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.co...

Presidential Immunity and Chevron Deference were among two of the most consequential Supreme Court rulings this session. What does Presidential Immunity mean for Biden and for Trump’s criminal trials? Renato and Asha are joined by Kim Wehle to discuss the end of Chevron. Keep up with our Guest:Kim Wehletwitter.com/kimwehle Simple Politics with Kim Wehle Pre order: Pardon Power: How the System Work...

In Mar-a-Lago, Judge Cannon held a 2 day hearing and invited amici to argue whether Special Counsels are Constitutional. Trump responds to Jack Smith’s request to modify Trump’s pretrial release conditions. SCOTUS gets Rahimi right by ignoring its own precedent. Plus, kids behind the wheel. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@It...

Hunter Biden was found guilty of a felony. What’s next? How is Trump handling his felony conviction as he awaits sentencing? Plus, Asha really nails it. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@...

Trump has been found guilty on all 24 counts. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on July 11th. What kind of sentence should we expect? Hunter Biden is on trial for a gun charge in Delaware. What is his team’s strategy? Plus. Henry really likes cicada season! Read Renato’s Piece in the NYTOpinion | How Trump’s Team Blew It - The New York Times Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe S...

The jury in Trump’s Manhattan trial is deliberating. What do they have to find in order to convict Trump? Did prosecutors do enough to convict? Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post   Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Its. Co...

Trump called his only witness and it was kind of a disaster. The jury of the first ever criminal trial of a former US President will be deliberating soon. Their instructions are somewhat complicated. Plus, a criminal haircut? Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medi...

Michael Cohen has a story to tell. He also has a lot of baggage. It remains to be seen whether the jury will find his story credible. Also, why isn’t everything he’s saying Trump said hearsay? Plus, we hope you had a better Mother’s Day than Melania. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-che...

Stormy Daniels’ testimony in Trump’s trial may be problematic for the prosecution. Judge Merchan admits that he is treating Trump differently from most other defendants. Other than Trump not being there, what are you looking for in a hotel? Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r...

The Supreme Court has heard the immunity arguments and some justices seem to want to answer a question that isn’t before them. Trump has slept through much of his trial in Manhattan, but Asha is riveted. She even made a chart! Plus, what kind of person kills a pet?!  Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trum...

The People of the State of New York against Donald J. Trump has begun. Asha and Renato break down the first couple of days of the trial–– from  opening statements to jury selection, The People’s first witness, and Trump’s continued violation of Judge Merchan’s gag order. Plus, Asha is open to becoming a Swifty. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheet...

*The original upload of this episode had some sync issues. Those issues are fixed in this version. Jury selection and seating in Trump’s election interference trial in Manhattan; people are confused about FISA– Asha will straighten them out. Plus, what does it take to be “camera ready?” Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Subscribe on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Its. C...